The craftsman training scheme was introduced by the
Government of India in 1950 to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers in
different trades for the domestic industry, to raise quantitatively and
qualitatively the industrial production by systematic training to educe
unemployment among the educated youth by providing them employable training to
cultivate and nurture a technical and industrial attitude in the minds of the
younger generation. The scheme, the most important in the field of vocational
Training, has been shaping craftsman to meet the exciting as well as future
manpower need, through the vast network in the various states in the country.
The day-to-day administration of it is under the craftsman scheme was
transferred to the state governments with effect from 1956. from 1st April 1969
the financial control of the industrial training Institute in the country has been
transferred to the respective state government. Training under this scheme is
imparted as per the guidelines of DGE& T in Engineering & Non
Engineering Trades.

The objects of this scheme are:

1) to ensure a steady flow of skilled ‘operating level’
workers in different trades for the industry.
2) to raise the quality and quantity of industrial production by systematic
training of workers: and
3) to reduce unemployment among the educated youth by equipping them for
suitable industrial employments.

In the year of 1956, the government of
India
set up a National Council for Vocational Training with a view to ensure and
maintain uniformity in the standards of training all over the country. This
council has been entrusted with the responsibilities of prescribing standards
and curricula for craftsmen Training, conducting All India Trade Tests and
awarding National Trade Certificate.

In 1980, there were 830 ITIs
and the number rose to 1900 ITIs in 1987. During 1990’s, the growth of ITIs
had been steep and presently there are over 10,750 ITIs (2275 in Govt. &
8475 in Private Sector) having a total seating capacity of 15.22 lakhs.

Salient Features of the Scheme

Training is imparted in 70 engineering and 63
non-engineering trades.

ITIs are functioning under the administrative control of
the respective State Govts./UTs / Private Organisations.

The period of training for various trades varies from six
months to two years and the entry qualification varies from 8th to12th class
pass, depending on the requirements of training in different trades.

The period of training for various trades varies from six
months to two years and the entry qualification varies from 8th to12th class
pass, depending on the requirements of training in different trades.

These institutes are required to conduct training courses
as per the curriculum prescribed by National Council for Vocational Training
(NCVT). The admission to the new courses are made in the month of August
every year.

The trainees after competition of the training period in a
particular semester are
required to appear in the All India Trade Test conducted under the aegis of
National Council for Vocational Training. The trainees who successfully
passes all semesters are
awarded National Trade Certificate which has been recognized by Govt of
India for the purpose of recruitment to subordinate posts and services under
the Central Govt.

About 70% of the training period is allotted to practical
training and the rest to theoretical training relating to Trade theory,
Workshop Calculation & Science, Engineering Drawing, Social Studies
including environmental science & family welfare.

Training in Govt. ITIs is provided at nominal fee is
charged. They are also provided with library, sports and medical facilities
etc.

Syllabi of various trades are periodically revised to keep
pace in tune with changes in technology.

Seats are reserved for SC/ST , OBCs , Differently abled and
women candidates as per norms

There is a provision of re-affiliation for existing
affiliated ITIs for more than 5 years old to ensure standards/norms
prescribed by N.C.V.T.

Work of inspection &accreditation of ITIs has been
entrusted to the Quality Council of Indiaw.e.f 1.9.2012 and applications are
submitted online for opening of new ITIs as well as addition of trades in
existing ITIs.

Reports of inspection & accreditation, as received from
QCI ,are processed at DGE&T HQ and put up before the sub –Committee of
NCVT for grant of affiliation.

Structure of training Programme has been
converted into semester system in place of long term, w.e.f August, 2013 .The
courses have been designed to impart basic skills and knowledge in the trades so
as to prepare trainee for employment as a semi-skilled worker or for
self-employment. As 70% of the training period is allotted to practical training
and the rest to subjects relating to Trade Theory, Workshop Calculation &
Science, Engineering Drawing, therefore, emphasis is on skill building.For over
all personality development of trainees, a course on “Employability Skill”
has been introduced from session July, 2012.The subject cover topics introduced
on IT Literacy, English Literacy, Occupational Safety and Health, Quality tools,
Communication Skills, Entrepreneurship Skills, Environment Educationand
Labour Welfare legislation.